Let’s be honest, education can feel like an endless pendulum swing. But while philosophies come and go, one thing isn’t swinging back: our world’s deep dive into technology. It’s staggering to think that just ten years ago, the computer in your pocket was a futuristic dream. Now, it’s as commonplace as a pair of sneakers. … Read more
Here’s the thing about classroom management that I’ve learned over the years: structure isn’t about control. It’s about freedom. When you’re standing in front of twenty-five students who are all moving at different speeds, the difference between chaos and productivity often comes down to one simple tool. A timer for classroom activities tells students, “This … Read more
It seems to sneak up on many of us…all of a sudden it is the perfect time to be purchasing unique teacher appreciation gifts for one (or many) of the educators that are involved in our daily lives. Sometimes we get to know those teachers well and immediately have an idea of an appropriate teacher present. Other … Read more
We’ve all been there. You walk into your classroom with a vision…a place where learning flourishes, where students are engaged, and where you actually get to teach instead of constantly redirecting. But somewhere between the first bell and the end of the day, that vision collides with reality. The good news? You can reach your … Read more
The first time I tried to run a Socratic seminar in my high school history classroom, I nearly abandoned student-centered teaching altogether, simple because I didn’t understand how much I didn’t grasp how student centered behavior management worked. It was 2008, my second year in the classroom, and I had thirty freshmen who had spent … Read more
I remember my first year of teaching like it was yesterday, but the truth is, I walked into that classroom in 2007 with a history degree, a stack of lesson plans I’d spent all summer perfecting, and absolutely no idea how to actually manage a room full of teenagers. I taught at a nationally ranked academic school … Read more
Click above to listen to Podcast Episode 48: “What is Student Engagement (and why is it alluring now)?“ The term “student engagement” is ubiquitous in educational circles, yet its definition often remains elusive. For teachers, administrators, and parents, having a clear, actionable understanding of this concept is the foundational first step toward improving student success. … Read more
I remember sitting in a conference room five years ago, watching a vendor demo an interactive display that cost more than my first car. The sales pitch was polished, the graphics were stunning, and every teacher in the room was nodding along. But something nagged at me. The company kept talking about what the display … Read more
Click above to listen to Podcast Episode 56: “How to Spot Behavioral Engagement in the Classroom“ Student engagement stands as one of the most critical, yet complex, constructs in the field of education today. It is a multidimensional construct widely recognized as the cornerstone of effective learning and a primary driver of academic success. For … Read more
Drafting a philosophy for classroom management can feel overwhelming because it asks you to answer a deceptively simple question: What kind of teacher do you want to be? The answer isn’t found in a single set of classroom rules or a pre-packaged behavior chart. It’s a living document, shaped by your core beliefs about how … Read more
Click above to listen to podcast episode 58: “Classroom Management Skills Necessary for Success“ A simple Google search for “classroom management skills” reveals a landscape that is not only plentiful but overwhelmingly complex. For educators at any grade level, from high school to the purview of university teachers, the quest to find a system that … Read more
Click above to listen to podcast episode 59: “Engaging Disengaged Students“ As classroom teachers, few scenarios are more disheartening than facing a classroom where student disengagement is palpable. This silent epidemic of student disengagement can feel like a personal affront, but it is crucial to understand that a difficult student’s behavior is rarely about you … Read more